Bangladesh holds the record for the lowest score defended in T20 World Cup history. On 16 June 2024, Bangladesh defended 106 runs against Nepal at the Arnos Vale Stadium, Kingstown, St. Vincent. Nepal made 85 runs.

The T20 World Cup has seen some incredible matches where teams have successfully defended seemingly low scores. It often brings out the best in bowlers and fielders and adds to the format’s unpredictability. So, which other teams have defended the lowest totals in T20 World Cup history?  

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Lowest Totals Defended in T20 World Cup

Let’s look at the top 15 lowest scores defended in the T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2024.

Bangladesh (106 vs Nepal, 2024)

Bangladesh holds the record of the lowest score defended in T20 World Cup history. Electing to bat first in a must win game against Nepal, Bangladesh were dismissed for 106 runs. Tanzim Hasan Sakib (4/7), Mustafizur Rahman (3/7) and Shakib Al Hasan (2/9) defended the total successfully. Bangladesh won by 21 runs.

South Africa (113 vs Bangladesh, 2024)

South Africa holds the record of the second lowest score defended in T20 World Cup history. The 2024 T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Bangladesh was a low-scoring thriller. Electing to bat first, South Africa made 113 runs, thanks to Heinrich Klaasen's 46. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje took 2 wickets each. while Keshav Maharaj bowled a brilliant spell of 3/27. South Africa won by 4 runs.

South Africa (115 vs Nepal, 2024)

South Africa also holds the record of the second lowest score defended in T20 World Cup history. It was a low-scoring thriller between South Africa and Nepal at the Arnos Vale Stadium, Kingstown, St Vincent in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Batting first, South Africa struggled to 115 runs, Reeza Hendricks top-scored with 43 runs. Leg-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi bowled a match-winning spell of 4/19. This is South Africa's second 1-run victory in T20 World Cups (1 run vs NZ, Lord's 2009).

Also read: India vs Pakistan T20 Head-to-Head Records, Stats

Afghanistan (115 vs Bangladesh, 2024)

Afghanistan holds the record of the joint third-lowest score defended in T20 World Cup history. Batting first in a must win game of the 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 match, Afghanistan struggled to 115 runs in 20 overs. Gurbaz was the top-scorer with 43 runs. In the second innings, Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq took 4 wickets as Bangladesh was all out for 105 runs.

Sri Lanka (119 vs New Zealand, 2014)

Sri Lanka successfully defended 119 runs against New Zealand in the 2014 T20 World Cup at Chattogram. Despite chasing a small total, New Zealand struggled to handle the pressure and were all-out for 60 runs. Rangana Herath took 3/5 (second-best bowling figures in the T20 World Cup), making it the lowest score defended in T20 World Cup history.

India (119 vs Pakistan, 2024)

India is joint-third on the list of lowest defended total in T20 World Cups. Put into bat first, India were dismissed for 119 runs in 19 overs. Rishabh Pant was the top-scorer with 42 runs. Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) and Hardik Pandya (2/24) delivered a clinical performance. Pakistan was restricted to 113 runs, falling short by just 6 runs.

Afghanistan (123 vs West Indies, 2016)

The 2016 T20 World Cup witnessed a historic upset when underdogs Afghanistan pulled off a remarkable feat. Batting first, they could only manage a score of 123 runs. However, the spin duo of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi made batting difficult for the West Indies batters. Afghanistan won by 6 runs.

New Zealand (126 vs India, 2016)

New Zealand is sixth on the list of lowest defended total in T20 World Cups. Electing to bat first, New Zealand could only manage 126 runs on the board. However, the spin trio of Mitchell Santner (4/11), Ish Sodhi (3/18) and Nathan McCullum (2/15) delivered a clinical performance. India was dismissed for 76 runs, with only three batters reaching the double-figure mark.

Also read: Lowest Scores in T20 World Cup

South Africa (128 vs New Zealand, 2009)

The 2009 T20 World Cup saw a low-scoring thriller between South Africa and New Zealand. After being put into bat, South Africa could only score 128 runs. However, their bowling attack, led by Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis, kept the New Zealand batters in check throughout the run chase. Brendon McCullum scored a fifty, but South Africa earned a hard-fought victory by 1 run.

South Africa (130 vs India, 2009)

South Africa produced another strong bowling display during the 2009 T20 World Cup. Choosing to bat first, South Africa scored 130/5 in their allocated 20 overs. AB de Villiers made 63 off 51 balls. Dale Steyn took two in the second innings, and Johan Botha took three as Indian batters struggled to score freely. India finished on 118/8 and lost by 12 runs.

Also read: Most Catches in T20 World Cup

FAQs

What is the lowest score defended in T20 World Cup?

Bangladesh's 106 against Nepal on 16 June 2024 in Kingstown, St. Vincent is the lowest score defended in T20 World Cup history.

What is India's lowest score defended in T20 World Cup?

India’s lowest score defended in T20 World Cup is 119 against Pakistan in New York, 2024. India won the match by 6 runs. In T20 international cricket, India's lowest defended score is 139 runs against Zimbabwe in Harare, 2016.

What is the lowest defended total in T20 cricket?

Nigeria holds the record for the lowest score defended in T20 international cricket. In 2021, Nigeria defended 90 runs against Sierra Leone (71 all out) in Lagos.